Policy Shift on Salem Textile Park Sparks Skepticism Over Long-Term Environmental Safety
District officials have prohibited dyeing units at the proposed Jagir Ammapalayam textile park following year-long protests. However, local activists and farmers question the sustainability of this ban and the low-cost land lease terms.
Government Restricts Dyeing Operations Amid Public Pressure
The Tamil Nadu state government has issued a new directive significantly altering the scope of the proposed 119-acre integrated textile park at Jagir Ammapalayam in Salem. District Collector K. Elambahavath confirmed on July 24, 2026, that the facility will no longer house the Salem Yarn Colouring Park (SYCP) or any dyeing and processing units. Instead, the site is restricted to general textile-related activities, with the government seeking alternate locations for high-pollution dyeing operations.
This policy reversal follows sustained pressure from residents across 40 nearby villages. Local communities had halted the ₹880-crore project, which was initiated by the previous DMK administration, citing grave risks to groundwater and agricultural viability. Until this recent order, the only progress on the site was the completion of its administrative office.
Valuation Discrepancies and Tenure Concerns
Despite the restriction on chemical processing, critics point to what they describe as alarming financial irregularities regarding the land allocation. Social activist K.V. Suseendra Kumar noted that while market values in the area hover around ₹3,000 per square foot, the state provided the land to the park at a rate of just ₹210 per square foot under a 99-year lease.
- Asset Value: Activists argue the land contains valuable magnesite deposits that could generate state revenue if returned to the Department of Mines.
- Location Strategy: Critics suggest relocating the textile park to established industrial hubs like Bhavani or Erode rather than maintaining it in a residential and agricultural zone.
- Official Accountability: S.K. Moorthy, coordinator of the Salem Neer Aathara Pathukappu Iyakkam, reported that Right to Information (RTI) requests concerning the project's development have gone unanswered by authorities.
Uncertainty Over Future Regulatory Enforcement
While the immediate ban on dyeing units is a victory for environmental advocates, skepticism remains regarding the longevity of the government's commitment. Local leaders, including Moorthy, expressed concerns that the ban could be overturned in five to ten years should textile firms lobby for on-site processing facilities. Resolutions against the park have already been passed in 13 village grama sabha meetings. Moving forward, local community members and the Salem West Constituency MLA plan to convene to determine whether to accept the revised project terms or demand a total relocation.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
